Last week, some felt angry. Last week, some felt defeated. Last week, some felt hopeless.
Today we have shown the world that we will not be victims anymore! Today, our community has risen and shown our opponents that we are MUCH MORE THAN 1 MILLION STRONG! We brought the world’s attention to the outrage that is Proposition 8. We brought the conversation of equality into the living rooms of America and around the world! Today, we took a gigantic step into the next Civil Rights Movement. We have brought the conversation to a national stage. Now it’s time that we keep it going. Join us in a challenge over the next 10 months that will make an IMPACT. 10 months - 10 lives changed. Everyone in this movement must help keep the conversation going. We are asking each and every one of you to engage in 10 conversations with someone who does not understand our struggle and help them to see our point of view. We are not asking that you try to infringe on or disrespect their beliefs. Change can not occur with insult, it will only occur with respect. If all of us work hard to positively affect 10 lives, we can change this entire nation! To help keep the conversation going, we will work with you to launch (at least) 10 national demonstrations of equality outreach. We have already begun taking the steps toward our next big event: Day Without A Gay on December 10th. It is now time we work with our nation to help them see who we are: citizens of the USA who deserve equal protections under the law!
This community has impressed JoinTheImpact in ways that we can not explain! We asked you to volunteer, and you stepped up to the challenge. We asked you to start a conversation, and this nation is buzzing. We asked you to show your pride, support, and love - and today, you all went above and beyond! You are the future of this movement! On behalf of the JoinTheImpact team, I thank you! You are the IMPACT! THANK YOU THANK YOU and again… for your amazing turnout, initiative, and ambition…. THANK YOU! Our rights will be achieved and WE SHALL OVERCOME!
First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win. - Gandhi
131 Responses
They told us more than 5,000 in Boston (I’d say more like 6,000, but whatever). Even though we have marriage equality in our state, even though the weather forecast was for heavy rain, we turned out — and hey, the rain held off!
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 12:02 am
I think Day Without a Gay is a BAD idea. You want to take the wind out of our sails? Do this. Stage an event that people don’t want to participate in. This does not support our cause. It hurts families and businesses. This is NOT what we are about! I will not participate nor do I want to be associated with this type of “event”. PLEASE reconsider.
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 12:05 am
I think a disservice and lack of equality along with prejudice is at the bottom of this rejection. I’m not sure a 2% or a bit more difference in the vote is sufficient to deny a person’s right to be protected by law in a relationship. Not sure that the amendment is permanent or can be changed or overridden by another vote. However, I feel my rights have been denied and that others have denied it for me. JIM
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 12:24 am
I totally love the idea of the “No Gays for a Day” idea, but there going to be any demonstrations planned before that? I think that we would be more effective if we had at least one demonstration a week. We need to keep in the news cycle, but we also need a way to get these demonstrations going on weekdays.
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 12:30 am
THANK YOU, AMY!!! And the whole Impact Team!! And all citizens, gay and straight, who made this happen!! Today, I felt a shift in consciousness. It happened about an hour after the protests had ended. A feeling of calmness and hope came over me and I said to myself, “Something just happened. It’s different now.” It was a tipping point, that brought hope back into my being. My sister, who is straight and married, joined the demonstration in Boise, Idaho with her family, and they were on the evening news. I’m in San Francisco, but I watched the footage on their local news website. I was delighted to see the joy on their faces, as they held up their signs and joined with hundreds of others at their City Hall to promote love and equality. Thank you for reminding us that although our anger and hurt may be justified, we must let it go. We must ask for tolerance, understanding, and compassion through our own example. Love is infinitely more powerful than hate. Let’s keep going!!
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 12:36 am
Today was a very powerful and beautiful sight! The energy around the nation was undeniable. It felt great to be a part of such an important cause. It is amazing how much power and effect we can have when we all come together! I would really love for people to send pictures to post on the site, I know that there were some really great images that took place today that would be encouraging to share with each other -especially since i didnt get any myself
I’m so excited for what results are to come of our fight today and in the coming months…. however long it takes us! Lets not stop till ALL Americans have equal rights!!!
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 12:46 am
Excellent post and congratulations. I’m proud to see the Join the Impact team pushing RESPECT and CONVERSATION over hate and violence. I was, in all honesty, afraid that people would get too violent, too emotional, and too intense with all of the pain people, including myself, am feeling at the ban in California. I thank you for really stressing this important fact: civil rights are won when people see that you are NOT the ‘bad guy’.
Congratulations! I hope this grows into unprecedented magnitude, for the safety of all families like my girlfriend and I.
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 12:57 am
I have to say, today was an amazing resonse to civil rights for all. I am in San Diego and 25,000+ people showed up to show thier stregnth and support for human civil rights. i march with gay, straight, young, old, and all ethnic backgrounds. I now this happened nation wide, but just seeing this many people here, locally, lets us all know, we are not alone. We are not seperate. We are this community, this state, this nation, this world. We all count and deserve equal rights.
This is a begining of a new era. A new time. This is our world, we are not just here as support for others. We are here on this earth for a reason and our mere existance is reason enough to deserve a place in society and equal rights.
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 1:00 am
Today was amazing! I have been on a natural hight all day. Standing up for my rights, making a point, and showing support for All of our “faimly” accross America, that is what it is all about!
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 1:00 am
Great rally today in San Francisco. My first, but not my last!
Comment was made that details re: a “next steps” meeting at 401 Van Ness on Thursday, November 20th was on this site, but I don’t see anything. Any information available??
Thanks.
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 1:02 am
It is really sad that there were not more organized and loving efforts during the election. Good luck, you have my support!
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 1:14 am
thank you! loads of great energy here! Let’s keep it going!
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 1:20 am
Thank you! You’ve made the world a better place! We’re all better off for this day and your efforts having made it possible! Yours truly!
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 1:28 am
I will never forget what happened today. I have never seen so many deliberate, measured and rational people making a simple, even minded plea for inclusion. We’ve grown up today. We somehow realized that we can’t call everyone who disagrees with us a bigot and expect for this to get better. We have to appeal to the hearts and minds of good, rational people who haven’t yet heard our side of the argument. You’re plea to engage in conversation with those that disagree with us is an appeal to our adulthood; we have to take responsiblity for everything that’s happened to us. It’s up to us to engage the conversation, to destroy the mean spirited arguments used against us, and to calmly advance an argument of our own. No more blaming Mormons, or the religious right, or Fox News. This is on us. I know we will win this.
Thank you for everything that you’re doing.
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 1:41 am
This movement has made me soo inspired and I’m excited to stay involved to see all we can accomplish! Change will happen! We will overcome!
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 1:42 am
I am a straight black female. I had two gay cousins. I voted no on Prop 8, because as a minority, I have been through having rights taken away from me, for one, affirmative action. It’s wrong to give a person rights, then take them away. Yet, I fully blame the Mormon church for this. In fact, churches have had a big influence on our lives since the Bush Administration. I was asking someone the other day, “what is happening here? Are we now becoming like the middle east, where ministers/pastors are trying to lead our country like the Ayatollahs and Imams?”
I stopped going to church because of the church getting involved in people’s lives. I thought the church was a place of worship, to pray, and seek forgiveness. What is happening people? No, I am not atheist. I am nothing but human. I have a problem with so-called christians being to judgmental, unforgiven, holier-than-thou behavior and the greed and control. I have a problem when someone says to me, “God is going to punish you, or God don’t like ugly.” First of all, I am an adult, I am responsible for my own actions. I don’t need someone trying to scare me into submission just to get what they want, or because I did something they didn’t like. Like I said, I am human. I make mistakes, and if I am made aware of this, I don’t have a problem apologizing - but, you have no right to say things like, that’s ungodly. Another reason I don’t go to church, I used to go to hear the sermons, not to see who can outdress each other, or who gives the most to the church. But anyway, I will not go to far on this, but, I really think people that using the veil of the church to cause chaos, and division within the country. I say take away the tax-exempt status now.
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 2:01 am
Thank you for all your work to organize this historic event!
Our rally in San Francisco was a smashing success!
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 2:02 am
This was an incredible event…absolutely amazing! 25,000 gays, lesbians, and straight allies!! A mile-long march!! For the first time in my life, I truly felt the effects of discrimination the day after the election. Today, I truly felt the power of coming together for a common cause. I felt it as we were approaching Broadway in downtown San Diego…DOWNTOWN where we were visible, proud, and LOUD, making our voices heard. Thank you so much for organizing this event. I look forward to keeping involved. And I look forward to using my new sense of power to make my voice heard to my family, friends, co-workers.
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 2:22 am
As David says, thank YOU and the whole team … this was incredible. The Seattle event was amazing, and now reading the roundups from around the country with city after city talking about the diversity and positive feel … y’know, words fail me. It really feels like the tipping point.
Congrats to everybody involved, and looking forward to the next ten months!
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 2:29 am
I wish to add my thanks for all those who made this happen. We need to keep the momentum going and not give up this fight until we archive equality not just here in California but across our nation and the world. As my partner said on the way home “this was one of the gayest days in Santa Rosa i have ever seen” and it was a great feeling to be part of it. This is a battle we must remember to fight with love in our harts, not just for each other but even for those who wish to take our rights away. It is our love for them that will change minds and turn them to our side. The person is not our enemy their hate is. Thanks again to the team here and all of you who came out and showed your support.
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 2:44 am
Thank you so much. I am a lesbian in California and have been talking openly with some people who voted for 8. I am really finding the need for some facts on the differences between civil unions and gay marriage - why it’s important to have marriage. What are the legal rights that we’re fighting for? I know there is immigration, health care, and taxes.. but it would be very helpful to have some kind of a definitive list of rights that we don’t have instead of getting caught up in some abstract meaning of marriage and sin.
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 3:31 am
Just for a moment please - leave the subjects of gay and religion aside - to see this clearer.
It’s simple logic - they cannot legally define an object (marriage) as being based on two other objects (one man and one woman) that are NOT legally defined.
Now they HAVE to legally define “one man” vs “one woman” - or this law has nothing to stand on.
Opinions or assumptions of the definition of marriage is no longer acceptable in California - it’s been defined legally. Therefore - there can no longer be opinions or assumptions of the “one man and one woman” - that together make the legal definition of marriage. A birth certificate reflects a person’s gender - but that is based on opinion of common knowledge or appearance - just as the definition of marriage used to be.
Until we have that legal definition all we have to go on is the dictionary. Look it up. When I look up “man”, I see it’s defined as an “adult male human”. When I look up “male”, I see it’s defined as “an individual that produces small usually motile gametes (as spermatozoa or spermatozoids) which fertilize the eggs of a female”.
So according to proper definition - a guy in CA with no sperm cannot legally marry. He doesn’t qualify for the proper definition of a “man” as per the wording of prop 8 and a dictionary.
Laws have to be written carefully. “One man & one woman needs to be legally defined or this law has nothing to stand on. If I lived in California I would petition the courts for the legal definition of a man - for the purpose of obeying this law. Somebody in CA needs to do this. Let them debate what constitutes a gender.
I hear a man in Oregon is pregnant again. I don’t know what body part legally qualifies him as a man - but he has a uterus and is pregnant. Citizens need to know the exact legal definition of a man vs a woman - because this new law now exists.
It’s like a Pandora’s box has been opened and everyone is so busy arguing gay-rights vs religion that they haven’t stopped for a moment to look inside the box. Exactly what body parts are needed to qualify as a man for the purpose of marriage under this new law?
“One man and one woman” HAS to be legally defined for the purpose of obeying prop 8. The bottom line is an issue of body-parts.
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 3:57 am
Definitely wonderful and it far exceeded my expectations! I was expecting a small crowd, but rather… the one in Los Angeles City Hall attracted 10,000 people according to the LAPD estimates… this was very exciting! Gay, lesbians, and our straight allies all marched together… and I hope we do this again and again until they get the point that we are all human beings supposed to be treated equally! Thanks for putting on a historical event! I held my sign up with pride, and had my flag wrapped around my back… as I marched on for equality! The prop 8 people did not expect one thing… that we weren’t going to sit down and take abuse from them. The right wing extremists have posted on this website supposedly saying we’re trying to silence them… we’ve done nothing of the sort. They can hold whatever belief they want, but do not impose it on us and take away our CIVIL RIGHTS to marry the one we love! We marched on for freedom and equality, and lets hope there are many more like this!
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 4:09 am
Here’s a video I made of the Los Angeles protest today. I hope you all enjoy it!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuYswiYOLog
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 4:18 am
THANK YOU for organizing this effort!!!!! We all deserve the same rights.
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 4:36 am
I live in France with my partner.When we met 10 years ago, we had to make a decision whether we’d live in the United States or France. The United States wouldn’t permit me to pick whom I wished to be with and give me the same rights as straight Americans.
I wish you’d take this opportunity to begin demonstrating at weddings held in Mormon temples and Catholic churches. They spend so much time and money hoping for their wedding days and then deny us the right to have ours. I’d like them to be afraid of what their wedding days will bring.
If you have any other registrants here in Pau, France I’d love to help organize demonstrations at the Mormon church here!
Thank you!
David Blackburn
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 5:32 am
[...] orgainzers of the marches report that more than a million people marched. I look forward to getting the precise numbers from the [...]
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 6:14 am
Thank you for today’s rally. That was one of the most profound experience of my life. Listening to Mayor Villaraigosa (amongs the city attorney, Lori Jean and others), giving an impassioned speech about fairness and equality and offering us his full support made me realized that we’re really are on the right side of humanity and history. I felt that our common desire to fight for equality has been congealed today at the rally and to know that 9 other countries joined us in solidarity in such a big way give me great hope that we are marching toward the finish line sooner rather than later. I feel so proud of our community!!!
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 6:17 am
Oh man! What a great day for us! Though we did not have 25,000 or even 10,000 in attendance, we had several hundred GLBTQ and straight allies join together for equality on the grounds of Baltimore City Hall. The crowd was unanimously in support…not one anti-gay protestor was there! The speakers were wonderful! We had impromptu speakers like me (what an awesome opportunity) who shared their stories and celebrations on the open mike. An Associated Press reporter interviewed me for her article!
The energy was crackling! Though heavy rain and wind (and a tornado watch) cut short our event, two television stations had us on the news. After the protest ended, hundreds of people crowded the corners of Saratoga and Gay (yes, Gay) Sts., shouting “We cold, we’re wet, we’re NOT equal yet!” to a cacophony of supportive horn honks and waves from passers-by.
I told the reporter that while the passage of Proposition 8 was awful and horrible, perhaps it was the swift kick that our community needed to finally rise up to stop the hate and persecution. I’m very excited by the next events and the guidance that we as community members need to keep the fight going. Thank you to the organizers and to everyone who participated in this fantastic event. Justice and love must and will prevail…we cannot be patient anymore!
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 6:33 am
I am a married white female with kids living in middle class america. I have a good career, great insurance (thru my husband’s job), and no fear of discrimination against me. I do not personally know anyone that is gay or lesbian. I have no personal reason to be at all involved with this whole situation, except…. it is WRONG to try to control anyone else’s life. The bible says ‘Judge not, that ye be not judged’ How can a ‘loving God’ who ‘created all man in his image’ smile upon me and mine, but not upon you and yours? I have heard many times the line “God created Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve” So what? we need both male and female to procreate…we do NOT need male and female to raise those children (as made obvious by single parenthood). Just because you are gay does not mean that every child you help raise will be gay, and conversely you being straight does not guarantee that your children will not fall in love with someone of their own gender. I have always told my kids “you have rights and I have right, but when your rights infringe upon mine, or mine upon yours, we have to compromise”. There is absolutely nothing that I can think of about a gay marriage that could possibly infringe upon my rights so how could I force my lifestyle choice upon my neighbor? As I said, it is just WRONG. I hope and pray that EVERYONE will one day soon have all of the rights that I enjoy and I truely respect all of you for standing up for your rights in a very obvious and civilized way. I do ask you to ignore Blackburn’s request to protest outside of Temples and Churches. I really think that will backfire on your cause in a major way. Right now you are standing up for your rights while respecting everyone else. If you begin ruining other people’s once in a lifetime perfect day you will quickly become the terrorizing bad guys, even if you have a very valid point to make. I hope that Almighty will change the course of thought in this nation as he did in the 1960’s so that you may enjoy all the blessings of being a family without prejudice.
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 7:06 am
Yes, you will change your hypocrite country! I strongly support these actions because I can’t stand that some people begrudge others being happy. Wish you all the best.
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 7:37 am
I would like to commend all that participated in this event to stand up to inequality and injustice. This has caused issue with my partner (of 16 years) as he didn’t want to go because he didn’t see how there would be anything in it for him. Recently I had opportunity to see first hand what kind of attitude there is towards the LGBT community. During the period following hurricane Ike when the gas spiked and everyone in the Savannah area went nuts. I was waiting in line at the gas station and this black woman had me blocked and started yelling at me to get out of her way. When I had to remind here that she was just behind me and ask how she managed to get in front of me and now cutting me off she responded “are you gay?”. With her tone I knew where the conversation was going. I said “yeah, so what” she then said “figures you faggot cocksucker”. I instantly saw red and used a term that I totally despise and called her and ignorant “n” and asked if she knew who the father of her children were. She then called me a cracker and invited me to get out of my car and say it to her face. So I obliged. Now no offense to those that are black, African American but I grew up during the 60s’ and have not forgotten the civil rights movement. What makes what’s going on today any different today as what was taking place then? Should we be expected to ride in the back of the bus or get to the end of the line? Even though yesterday was a noteworthy event it only got 12 seconds of national news time and nothing in our ( Savannah) local news. I don’t see how “no gays for a day” would have that much more impact. It’s time that we as a community use the same play book that was used during the 60s’. I don’t condone outright violence or terrorist acts but, I firmly believe in civil disobedience, I think that we should sit in front of these churches and protest as well. They do it during Pride as I witnessed in Atlanta, another spot where I tangled with a bible beater. We seem to have forgotten what our predecessors did during the early days of Stonewall; they went face to face with their oppressors and fought back were jailed and continued to fight back. They did not stand for injustice or inequality by simply speaking into a megaphone or dancing on a stage, they fought back. These are our rights or lack of rights not the local bar. Let us not forget those that lost their lives because they were gay, Mathew Sheppard, Allen Schindler etc etc….. If you want to make a financial impact on the state and federal government here is the first step. Change your filing status on your w-4 from what is now to 99. Doing so prevents any kind of payroll deduction for state and federal taxes. Put that extra money away in a separate account (so that it accrues interest) under another name or in someone else’s name (someone that you trust). When 2009 tax time rolls around send in your tax forms and across the front write in big bold PROUD letters “second class citizens don’t pay taxes” and mail it in, I will be doing this. Believe it or not by them forcing us to file as single unmarried status we pay more in taxes than our straight married counter parts do. Tax money that goes to support organizations such as the Mormon Church. It also goes to support schools that teach these kids that it’s ok to be ignorant and intolerant and in Georgia it’s not much of a stretch. It supports organizations that warehouse these kids that these straight couples no longer wanted the same kids that we can’t adopt because they feel that we are deviants and pedophiles and that we are a bad example and that we do not represent true American family values. We also need to push our elected officials to realize and to return to the separation of church and state. Now the Mormons are claiming foul that they are being targeted and harassed because of their actions and their involvement in financing discrimination. Turn about is fair play. The church has gotten far to intertwined with our form of government and when that happens we are no better off than those that we liberate, i.e. Iraq. Being a veteran it sickens me to see how hypocritical the republicans, the religious right and the Mormons are. For all those other veterans, be sure to tell someone “thank you for securing their right to discriminate against you”. BTW my partner and I are not on speaking terms, I called him a part time fag that he is only gay when it’s convienent for him, like in the bed or when he wants to allienate someone. Also Bill Edwards ( local am radio right winger) is a complete idiot.
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 8:30 am
Those rallies were incredible. Great job everyone! Now it’s time to take financial action. Aside from the “No Gay Day” on December 5, I say let’s boycott any radio or TV station that airs the Mormon Tabernacle Choir’s weekly broadcasts. It’s one more way to get the message out that we are angry and we’re going to make those who believe in hate pay!
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 8:38 am
I am a straight woman educator from New York. I strongly support equal rights for all human beings. Every single day I see open prejudice against gays. I fight it every single day. I sometimes feel like I am alone because I am straight. Please remember to invite your straight families and friends to join you to emphasize this isn’t about gay rights, it’s about human rights.
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 9:21 am
Yesterday was really inspiring for me. It was my first protest and even in the crappy weather, spirits were high. I am really inspired to continue this fight. I am proud of the few Clevelanders that turned out yesterday!
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 9:37 am
Little known to most; the first bus boycott of the civil rights movement took place in Baton Rouge, LA. Yesterday, Baton Rouge proudly held it’s tradition in taking part in the struggle for civil rights. A small but enthusiastic group of people crossing lines of all types, ages, races, church groups, GLBT, straight joined together to positively affirm our belief in our national pledge of allegiance. We reaffirmed our belief in the basic premise of our constitution and the pledge…. ‘LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL’. My husband and I are one of the 18,000 couples married in CA over the last few months. I have been asked, why? Knowing that it is not recognized or legal in Louisiana. Simple, it’s all about the RIGHT to legally declare my LOVE and commitment to the public and have our love and relationship legally recognized by the community and governemnt. That is really what this conversation is about…. LOVE. I continue to invite everyone to have conversations about LOVE. Over the last few years, we as a nation have been inundated with conversations about fear; fear of foreigner’s; fear of each other; fear of our government; fear of the economy; fear of republicans; fear of democrats. Fear has been the central point of our national conversation. THIS CONVERSATION while centered around the civil right to marry, is first and foremost, the FIRST national conversation about LOVE. Barack Obama started a conversation of HOPE during his campaign. Let us as a community continue to press forward and boldly push the conversation of LOVE.
There are lots of discussions that distract us; distractions brought by discussions of faith, religion, politics. I invite everyone to first recall and envision their most intensely happy moments in their life and as you focus the image in your mind; experience the strong sense of positive emotion that you experience and simply join your thoughts of JUSTICE AND EQUALITY FOR ALL with that positive emotion….. join your thoughts of LOVE with the positive emotion. Everytime you feel bad, negative, defeated; that is the time to refocus your energy on feeling good knowing that EVERYONE loves and will love and will reach past any negative feelings to allow LOVE to create LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL.
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 9:51 am
We here in Florida must convince the business community to support us - and they will! Our state is heavily dependent on tourism. During these dire times, tourism from countries with Euros is very important for our economy. In most Euro countries, people can marry or enter legal partnerships that give them the same rights as married couples. When these people visit our state, they forego these rights. I speak, read and write ten languages. I am willing to disseminate these facts to the Euro countries, urging them to write to our chambers of commerce and visitors’ bureaus, convention centers, hotels, and other tourist oriented businesses. I believe that once our tourist moguls understand that they will forgo buisness and money as long as tourists are discriminated against, that they will act to support us. But I need to work with others to formulate the message.
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 9:58 am
We had a great, energizing time in Oakland yesterday (even though we couldn’t hear most of the speakers). There was a pathetic group of two Phelpsians across the street, and I’m told 500 gatherers. It was less diverse than we would’ve hoped for a city as diverse as Oakland — we have work to do to get past the “I follow my religion” argument.
Here are our pics - is there anyplace we can/should post them?
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=48499&l=a9c66&id=719516374
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 10:02 am
um….. I’m confused??? What law do you want equal protection under??? I want one that that abolishes the REQUIREMENT for me to have to get a license from the state…. for a religious matter. I am not cattle, and should not have to have my privacy invaded by such a useless rule…… that is only for the state to gather more money.
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 10:20 am
I participated in the protest in Norfolk, Virginia yesterday. We rode out 2 heavy downpours but NO ONE left. We did have 3 counter protesters but they were eclipsed by the 60+ people who came out. That doesn’t sound like a lot, but it’s a pretty big deal since we’re in the South and a military city. So many people I know wanted to come but were too afraid because they are in the Navy. Norfolk is the biggest naval installation in the world, and our gay brothers and sisters fill their ranks. We need to not only fight for marriage equality but for the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell. Out of the closet, into the streets!
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 10:32 am
Between 600 and 700 people showed up for our march rally in Eureka California. That is a lot for here, there are only 130,000 in the whole county and 28,000 in Eureka. There were no yes on 8 people in sight, but our county voted 60% against 8. We were very loud and proud on our march through town. I only saw four negative responses from passers by. Many were honking their horns in support. This was my first protest march and will not be my last. I will not stop screaming for our rights till we get them. This coming together in hearts and souls was very uplifting and emotional. My voice is very hoarse today from all the chants we yelled yesterday. Thank you all, brothers and sisters, straight and gay.
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 10:46 am
I’ll pray for all of you. It must be difficult having to live the life of a gay person and thinking that no one understands or is afraid of you and your lifestyle. The reality is, we are not homophobic, we just disagree.
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 10:49 am
Sacramento’s KCRA Channel 3 had a quick blurb about the national protests.
Sacramento’s KOVR Channel 31 had a longer piece, with an interview:
http://cbs13.com/video/?id=42399@kovr.dayport.com
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 10:52 am
Re: “Day without a Gay”
People who aren’t out at their jobs will have to come out to their bosses in order to participate. If they fear trouble at work, they won’t be able to participate.
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 10:53 am
In Sacramento, there were only about a dozen or so ‘Yes’ proponents and for the most part, they stood quietly across the street from the park where the rally was taking place.
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 10:59 am
Wow, I am so sad I had to travel yesterday- I wish I could have attended in my state. I am a married straight woman, but believe so much in equal rights for everyone. I want to attend another protest, but I think “day without a gay” may be excluding me… good luck!
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 11:04 am
Yesterday in Austin there were close to 3000 people that marched to city hall. There were a wide range of emotions that went throught the crowds from happiness to sheer anger. We did not end it there we marched afterward up to the capitol, then through down town. IT was an inspiring, awsome, spectacular event.
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 11:47 am
I wish you much luck and hope that you’re able to obtain the equal rights you deserve. Good Luck!!
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
“No Day Without Gay” is a VERY BAD IDEA for obtaining equal rights. “Join the Impact” started off on the right foot, but it runs the risk of taking the same soft road as the other gay rights organization. It’s a proven loser.
The civil rights movement of the 50s and 60s did not succeed because African Americans stayed home to volunteer their services at a soup kitchen. Why is it so hard for the leaders of the gay rights movement to understand the concept of CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE? We need leaders that have actually studied the “CHANGE THEORY” of “CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE”.
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
AMY! Congrats on all your awesome hard work! Imagine my surprise when I was reading an MSNBC article about the marches and they interviewed my former coworker and upstairs neighbor in the Lesbian Duplex on Idlewood Ave.
Ugh, I missed the protest in Asheville (because I had to go to a classmate’s *wedding* reception-ick!), but my campus is doing something on Tuesday.
Also, getting my take home tests done by December 9th is a new goal, as December 10 is when ALL MY FINALS are. So if I finish early…I can skip (but then, noone will notice because I’ll have turned them in. Oh well :p). But I will try and do nothing anyway. I will definitely make it to the Jan 10th stuff though!
Anyway, THANK YOU!
-Carol (of the former Carol and Heidi, of which Heidi is now Aidan…)
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
Becca, that is a GREAT VIDEO. You captured the spirit perfectly. I just forwarded it to a dozen people. - THANK YOU!!!
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
Hi! I hope y’all counted the 20 in Fairbanks, Alaska! Yeah, not a huge showing, but there weren’t any counter-protesters, and we got a lot of thumbs up and polite smiles and encouraging honks! Pictures here:
http://www.ordinarydream.net/fairbanksprop8protest.html
Large versions of those pictures are available upon request.
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 12:44 pm
My Parents were in love, and they got to marry, their parents were in love… and they got to marry, as did their parents… and so on and so on…
I am a good person, with all the hopes and dreams and aspirations of anyone raised in this country…
Get an education,
Get a good job and become a productive member of society,
Have a the nice home with the white picket fence,
…and find a caring and loving partner to share that with….
too grow old and be happy…. That’s the American dream!
I’ve done most of that, but why can’t I fulfill the dream of marring the person I love, (and have loved for decades)… just like my parents???
(What makes you think I should be treated as less of a person?)
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 12:46 pm
Hi,
I attended the Prop 8 protest in Charleston, SC yesterday with videocamera in tow. We got some great footage. I put together this video last night:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=byHvA-E_N2I
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 12:54 pm
The march here in LA was amazing and inspiring and I was so proud of our community., but I have to ask the question that’s been eating at me since watching and reading the news coverage here. Why are the news organizations so drastically under-reporting the attendance? LA Times is estimating 10,000 to 12,000 people. I was at the Silverlake rally last week here in LA and that was 10,000 people - the numbe of people that showed up yesterday was AT LEAST twice that number if not closer to three times. So I asked around and every one I know that went to the protests in other cities are saying the exact same thing. 7,500 in San Francisco ? Are you kidding me? A friend in Columbus, OH said the numbers were twice what they estimated there. Friends in Minneapolis are reporting the same low crowd counts. Somthing is going on here. Anbody else hearing the same things in other cities?
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
San Jose totally represented yesterday with at least 800-900 (though the news put it at about 2000). We had four large marching brigades of different communities (families&kids&teachers, ethnic diversity groups, faith leaders and followers, and gay-straight allies) march from different parts of San Jose and converge on City Hall one after the other. This really riled the crowd up to see more and more huge communities of support come in to the plaza one after another. You can see some in a video here. We also had letters from Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren and Congressman Mike Honda, as well as speakers such as Santa Clara Councilwoman Jamie McCleod and SJ Vice Mayor Dave Cortese and people of faith and also of color speak to show that equality applies to all.
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 1:01 pm
First, thank you for starting this grassroots movement. This is how we can make a difference! So thank you for that.
The protest yesterday was wonderful and it was so nice to be surrounded by such supportive and loving (and passionate) people.
As for No Gay for a Day… I go back and forth about how I feel about it. While I like the concept, I do think that the more important thing to do is get people OUT and to have people put their money towards gay friendly businesses. This will truly show people the effect we can have… and in a positive way.
Keep the protests going and please, everyone, come out… and to those who are not GLBTQ, be an ally and show your support!
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
Michelle - didn’t african-americans and supporters boycott the bus system in the 60’s?? I think it’s a grand idea, but - we’re all entitled to what we think.
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 1:28 pm
If you want to participate in Dec 10 Day without a Gay but you also want to be respectful of your job and business in tough economic times, consider scheduling the time off in advance with your boss, using paid time off such as vacation. But, DO tell your boss why you are taking the time off and DO participate in volunteer efforts that day. It will make an impact.
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
Thank you so much for all your hard work and puting all this together, I love the fact that we are in the news, but I don’t like the number they are saying of how many of us are protesting, IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO KEEP PUSHING THESE NUMBERS UP AND GET MORE MEDIA REPORTS, I was in the protest yesterday mornhing in San Francisco and outside the Civic Center was more crowded than Gay pride, and we were not 7,500, I am sure that we were at least over 100,000 people there, the only thing was the March seem to be unleaded and people didn’t know what to do or where to march.
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
Day without a Gay is a not a great idea!! I happen to work for a very supportive organization that provides benefits for same sex couples and strongly believe that by calling in gay, I would be hurting them not only financially, but it would be a slap in the face to them for their support of the GLBT community. Maybe a day where we all wear Join The Impact shirts would be more effective! We want to be out and visible at our places of work! By calling in gay, we are being absent!
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 2:40 pm
The change made by Proposition 8 will be reversed. Most likely the California Supreme Court will strike it down, but otherwise the California Legislature can put a proposed constitutional amendment on the ballot whenever it has a good chance to pass. Since the California Legislature supports same sex marriage, there is no need to gather signatures for a popular initiative to repeal Proposition 8. But let us hope the protests grow exponentially, as unprecedented public outrage will help California Supreme Court justices worried about being recalled if they invalidate Proposition 8. They have reason to be cautious because few people vote in a recall election held apart from any other, and a church which busses in thousands of followers can potentially control the outcome. That would be perfectly legal, but very uncomforable for the justice getting recalled.
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 2:44 pm
I think that while the protests are a very good thing, and a must to continue forward in some fashion, we have to move past these alone. We have to provide some positive efforts. There is all this energy out there and its all being directed towards protest, and there are gay and lesbian centers around the nation begging for people to staff them. There are meals on wheels programs going out of business, there are AIDS organizations faltering, there are many many many things that can be done in our community. We should be taking this time to engage some of these as well. If all we can muster is to stand out there and scream and shout and march and can do nothing else positive then we do not deserve the equal rights we demand.
We have our own family in need here all over people, lets not forget that.
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
thank YOU. it was great to have an outlet to express my support for gay marriage and be able to feel such a strong connection to thousands of strangers at the same time. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
In addition to protesting here in the hate state of arizona, I have in this past week contacted my many catholic, mormon, church of gawd, and church of christ clients and let them know I would no longer be taking their appointments. My reason is simple, their money is tainted with a hate that I do not wish to be exposed to. I have plenty of clients that will remain on my books and receive their services as requested, I would also like to protect these intelligent and loyal clients from the influence of hate mongers and their dirty money. I am practicing a “No More Mr. Nice Gay” policy.The three clients I had on my book in the next four months who were booked in as wedding parties did try the usual tricks, crying and offering more money for their service, had no effect on me whatsoever. People who have never been discriminated against who insist on shoving their hateful values down the throats of Peaceful, Intelligent Americans, will reap what they have sown.
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 3:00 pm
Conversation starters!
Hi All,
We made and passed out over 650 rainbow lapel ribbons and the Oakland and San Francisco rallies. We have been wearing these ourselves over the last few days and they are great conversation starters. Carrying them around and passing them out to allies feels good and seems to give our allies a concrete way to participate daily.
We made them like the AIDS, breast cancer and troops awareness ribbons. You might recall that the original AIDS ribbon was a reminder of the life threatening nature of it. We feel that our cause has been and is of this same caliber. A concrete example to share with friends is the teen suicide rate, the vast majority of which are LGBTQI youth.
Here’re the ribbon materials: 1/2 to 5/8 inch rainbow ribbon, cut to 3-1/2 to 4 inch lengths. Mini safety pin sizes 0 and 00
It took 3 of us about 3 hours to make 650! Think what you can do!
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
To all of my American brothers and sisters;
Keep up the fight, it may take a while, but the cause is just. Don’t give up until you have equal rights.
Greetings from Canada.
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
EVENT IDEA:
Let’s mirror “Live Aid” from the 80’s. A televised day of music and people, telling our story and bringing the issue to the masses.
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
I was only ONE in Geneva, but it’s nice to know there were so many back home <3
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
Hey!
Two close friends and I recently started a grassroots site (http://OurVoicesForMarriage.com) as a response to Proposition 8 passing. It is a VERY basic, no-frills site that allows individuals to voice their sadness, their frustration, and, most importantly, their personal stories on how the passing of Proposition 8 effected them. Our hope is that President-Elect Obama will soon announce a GLBT liaison whom we can refer to this site, and, who in turn, will refer President Obama to it with the hope he will speak out and say, loud and clear, that discrimination written into any constitution is a violation of everyone’s civil rights.
PLEASE take a moment, go to the site, and post YOUR story. The more voices we have the louder our message will be. . .
http://ourvoicesformarriage.com
Thanks!
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
Mission Complete. Whats next?
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
I definitely agree with this event; however maybe we should change the name of it. I’m not sure how I feel about the name “Day Without A Gay” since I am afraid that some of our straight allies will not participate in this. We need strength in numbers!
Eric
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
How about doing something in conjunction with the anniversary of Harvey Milk’s assassination? - Nov. 27, 2008
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
I’m also uneasy about the “Day Without A Gay” idea. I feel it runs counter to this movement, which is to be more visible and integrated with the rest of society. Also, many of us work with supportive coworkers and for supportive businesses who provide benefits for same-sex partners, etc., and so to call in “gay” could be insulting to them. It would also be risky for those who are in the closet or who work for non-supportive businesses. And I think our opponents would be all too thrilled to have a day with less of us around! I can hear their responses now… “Hey, that was great! Now stay away, gay, for more than a day!” I think the best way to keep our forward momentum and to increase participation from both gay and straight would be to have a national rally every month. I’m not suggesting that’s all we do, we certainly have a ton of things to work on, but yesterday’s protest was so energizing and unifying, and I think it would be good for us and our allies across the country to keep it going.
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
I’m highly disappointed with the lack of media attention the rally in Washington received. Initial reports state that only 500 people attended. I was there and there were thousands. We are being held down by the media. We need their support. What can we do in our individual communities to reach out to them. Our “impact” wont do much without them.
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
[...] Well, we’re not totally sure. Join The Impact has suggested some plans, but Fayetteville is a bit more easy-going than the rest of the nation. We’re gonna sit down [...]
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 5:04 pm
Bobby - you made me cry. It’s that simple, isn’t it? A home, a family, a life long partner to share it with. What is so wrong about that? EVERYONE deserves that if it’s what they dream.
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 5:05 pm
Maybe it should be ” Day with a Gay” Make December 10th a day that we all go to work and let people know that we are proud of ourselves. Proud enough to stand up for ourselves and be counted. All of my garden clients fully support me, so why would I want to not work for them on that day. I am thinking of wearing my Marriage Equality USA sticker that day and if anyone asks me what it is, I will say it is in support of equal marriage rights for everyone.
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 5:07 pm
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Join-the-Impact-Dallas/44853483775 and StopTheH8@ymail.com
First, THANK YOU AMY, Michael, Steve and everyone who came up with the idea and put this in motion-and WETPAINT for the server!! Incredible! Second, THANK YOU to everyone who organized and participated from sea to shining sea. Third, DALLAS TEXAS reports in with official police estimates at 1200-1500 yesterday, despite cold temps and winds. Let us each have a FACEBOOK page so we can connect with all the organizers and mobilize quickly for more of these type of events/protests/rallies. DALLAS (after confirming with Amy) will retain our Facebook page as named. We have notified our community we will organize with committees so these type of needs can be sent out as an alert and we can assemble in an instant. So PLEASE friend us and post your sites so our members (and organization team) can friend you. Lets get the base set up NOW. (well, right after we sleep for a week..lol) GREAT JOB EVERYONE! And… SAN DIEGO… Rock on! WTG! I am SO proud when I say I am a San Diego native… (Coronado and RB better have shown up!) PLEASE KEEP IN TOUCH EVERYONE!
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 5:09 pm
I am bothered often by the thought that gay couples and gay people are not provided with the same rights as others in the United States. I think our current situation is due to ignorance and the lack of involvement of non-gay people who feel that a different set of rights for different people is a travesty.
I live in a small town where I know so many wonderful people who think that limiting the rights of gay people is wrong. However, getting these great people to share their thoughts publicly and help convince others that federal gay marital rights are not a threat to anyone is difficult. Movements and protests need to occur but they need to occur in such a way as to gain support from the non-gay community.
I do agree visibility in large numbers is very important but let’s not forget how very important and powerful individual relationships can be. The greatest potential for change often occurs on a small scale where one or two or a few people get together and talk and begin to understand that they are not very different after all. Let’s use those relationships to teach the world that most people want the same things out of life and that what the gay community needs and deserves is exactly what the rest of our community has: nothing more, nothing less.
Encourage your supportive non-gay friends and family to speak out positively about their gay friends and relatives. Hopefully, with everyone’s help there will come a day when we don’t even need to think about the differentiating aspects of a gay person: Gay people will be thought of as just people.
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 5:15 pm
Here is our video from yesterday in Charleston, South Carolina:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=byHvA-E_N2I
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 5:47 pm
It’s hard for many of us who voted in favor of Prop. 8 to appreciate the mix of peaceful and militant responses by the gay community. On Friday evening, Nov. 15, a few Christians in the Castro District of S.F. had to be escorted by police out of the area (they were just praying & worshiping Jesus), when a large crowd of residents shouted for them to leave the street corner they occupied, made death threats, were physically threatening, etc. I, and many other Christians, are praying that the gay community will restrain themselves from acts of violence against those with a different point of view. It seems that if you are a Christian and believe that marriage is defined as between a man and a woman, then you’re a bigot, intolerant, and a hate monger, even though we hold to that position as a matter of faith. Hmm…so much for freedom of opinion & freedom of religion. So much for the gay community expressing tolerance for the views of others.
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 5:52 pm
Here are amazing photo’s of San Diego rally ! Over 25,000 people strong on the streets of Hillcrest through downtown.
http://mosuniverse.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=13416/?action=view¤t=protestmarchcrowd-1.jpg
http://mosunverse.com
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 6:09 pm
1. This country is so hang-up on morality when this issue is not about morality but about prejudices. The people that are against gays getting married are mostly bigots and ignorant. If they would stop and think about where they got this idea of being bad, when in fact it really does not affect them other then they were told that it is not natural. Who are they to decide what is natural. The Mormon Church who promoted this with the $34 million dollars had no business doing this. And the way it was promoted by the YES campaign with lies regarding the schools position in teaching the children. Unfortunately the NO campaign did a very bad job what it really was about. We need to really look at who is benefiting by this amendment and ask the most important questions WHY?
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 6:14 pm
Yesterday we packed a picnic and took our kids to the Los Angeles Join The Impact rally protesting the passage of Proposition 8, which amended our constitution to deny same-gender couples the right to marry in California. We took the kids because they are among its youngest victims. Millions of dollars were spent by the Yes on 8 campaign to convince voters that Prop 8 was all about protecting families and children.
Not our family. Not our children.
They are among the over 52,000 California children being raised by gay or lesbian parents. And on Election Day, 52% of the California electorate effectively let them know in no uncertain terms that their families were less than equal, less than worthy, less than yours. More practically, our family loses every legal protection marriage provides children. We went to the rally today to speak out against that.
Some background:
On May 14, my children and I helped their Papa celebrate his 40th birthday. Since Kelly was born here in Los Angeles, to mark the occasion we took him on a driving tour of local historic landmarks – the hospital where he was born, his childhood home in Sylmar, Hubbard Street Kindergarten and Harding Street Elementary.
We showed our children the spot in the courtyard at All Saints Episcopal Church where we first met. (Growing up, Kelly’s mom always told him he was most likely to meet the right person at church. As usual, she was right.) We finished the day at Huntington Gardens, where nearly nine years ago, as a couple hoping and dreaming of a family, we celebrated the joyous news that our first child was on her way. That night, we baked a cake and sang, clapped and cheered as Kelly made a wish and blew out his candles.
The next morning, May 15, an unexpected birthday gift arrived. There was no wrapping or ribbon and it was a lot bigger than a card. The California Supreme Court handed down their landmark verdict declaring that no longer were we banned from getting married.
After nearly a decade together, most of it spent raising our two children with no prospect of ever seeing a wedding day, we were stunned. We weren’t together when we heard about the Supreme Court decision, but later that day, when we saw each other for the first time, I didn’t waste a second. I proposed. And he accepted. Our seven-year-old daughter captured the moment on the video camera we’ve used to record all the momentous events in our family’s life together, beginning with her birth.
Kelly and I were married on Tuesday, June 17, the first day such unions were possible in California. We had initially planned on something very basic, taking the kids to the county courthouse, picking up our license and getting hitched then and there. But the “ladies of La Punta Drive,” an unofficial group of neighbors on our otherwise hetero street, had other ideas and launched into high gear. Mary, an attorney from across the street – an attorney – baked us a spectacular, traditional, three-tier wedding cake. Alexa, the Martha Stewart of our cul-de-sac, took a couple hundred bucks and turned our living room into a wedding chapel, Judy from next door took pictures and Lisa ran the kitchen. Their husbands greeted guests, parked cars and ran videocameras. Everyone pitched in, because… they all wanted us to have what they had.
Our daughter’s godfather Neil, an Episcopal priest, officiated our ceremony. Our kids were our attendants. Elizabeth called herself our groomsmaid and never looked more radiant. Or more proud. James, who was two at the time, froze on the aisle as two-year-olds have throughout time. Still he managed, with assistance, to complete his task of strewing a path of leaves for his parents to walk down.
What neither of them realized was that though our wedding may have seemed to be about us, it was very much about them. Because marriage provides kids with stability like nothing else, not to mention lots of legal protections. But most important for them, though, on a real, everyday level, they were able to know that their family is no different from their friends’ families. They no longer had to wonder why everybody else’s parents could be married, but theirs could not. We were equal. Until Election Day. A little less than five months.
Our wedding day, next to the births of our children, was the most joyous day of our lives. We repeated the vows we’d made to each other at a blessing of our union at All Saints Church in 2001. Only this time we were able to substitute the words “lawfully wedded.” And that felt really, really good.
The Yes on 8 campaign somehow convinced over half our electorate that my family having equal access to marriage is a Very Bad Thing. I heard them say, a lot, “Why do you need to be married? You guys get all the same rights and protections as marriage. It’s just called domestic partnerships; it’s exactly the same. See, there it is, right over there.” I grew up in the South and those arguments sound an awfully familiar. I was in a domestic partnership for eight years; I’ve been married for five months. Not sure if I still am; that seems to be up in the air. But I can tell you this. The water doesn’t taste the same.
In the final weeks leading up to the election, as I was driving my daughter home from school, we passed a newspaper stand that had a “Yes on Prop 8” bumper sticker on it. She became visibly agitated, as she did whenever she saw a “Yes on 8” yard sign. She asked if I would stop the car so we could take down the bumper sticker. I explained to her that there’s a thing called freedom of speech in our country, and that everyone has the right to express their opinion, as long as they’re not hurting anyone. She said, “But they are. They’re hurting our family. Why do all those people want to hurt our family?” Try answering that one.
We got married that very warm, first possible evening in June not to be part of history or to make some political statement. We married because we love each other, we’re a family and we want what’s best for our kids. The Yes on 8 people were very happy to take that away from us. To them I would say this… if you really do care so much about families, if you really do want to protect children, why would you do this to mine?
So we bundled the kids in the car yesterday, skipping gymnastics and ballet, to let our faces be seen, our voices be heard. Our son is only three, perhaps too young to remember any of this. His only reaction to the Yes on 8 signs was to point out that they were the same color as pee-pee. But I can’t help hoping that yesterday’s rally, a bright morning full of hope and commitment, with thousands of people united and cheering his family’s right to be equal, will be among his earliest, happiest memories.
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 6:26 pm
Filipino LGBT organizations send all our support to our US friends! Equal marriages for all!
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 6:36 pm
As a french gay citizen , i want to thank you for your fight and protest .
You are an example for all gays in the world . Your fight is our fight . You lost a battle but not the war . In France we are supporting you . A large majority of french people are for the same sex marriage but our gouvernement is too much timid .
More and more countries will vote same sex marriage . We don’t want civil union for gays and marriage for straights . This is segregation , remember Rosa Park . No black places or white places in a bus ; no to civil union for gays and marriage for straights . Same sex marriage for all .
Equality now ! YES WE CAN !
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 6:53 pm
answer to glenn : if you are against marriage between a black and a white you are RACIST . If you are against marriage for gay people , we are HOMOPHOBIC ! It ’s very strange to see the bigot lobby said gay should accept the vote because the same lobby doesn’t accept abortion laws … the bigot lobby killed abortions doctors and after they ask for tolerance ….HYPOCRITS !
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 7:06 pm
Got stuck in the traffic that followed the Saturday demonstration.
My partner and I just sat on the horn and held our hands up through the sunroof and felt the energy flow through the whole intersection. Now that was one traffic jam I was glad to be in!!!!!!!!! I have kept up the conversation at work with mostly retirees on the impact proposition 8 has on the nation and how similar it is to the black segragationist of the past. I hope that my constant churing away at this bigotry and education of the largest voting block that passed this intiative will correct their thinking process.
Keep up the good work!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 7:29 pm
I think it’s time for a NATIONAL MARCH; one central location; one meaningful day; one massive collection from every corner of this nation; everyone pack your bags!!
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 7:43 pm
Linked your website, plus tons of pictures from the rallies in SF and Sacramento on:
http://howdoyoulivewithyourself.wordpress.com
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 7:44 pm
Bill, your post was so moving and beautiful. Thank you.
I am happy that yesterday was such a success and look forward to future events!
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 7:47 pm
I saw where someone said we need to ask for “tolerance”. That is not acceptable. I don’t want to be tolerated. You tolerate a burden. You tolerate adversity. You tolerate a disease. I want EQUALITY nothing more, nothing less. I want my government to be blind to my sexual orientation. I want my government and society to accept me.
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 7:49 pm
Went to the Impact demo in New York City. Me: age 51, ACT UP veteran. I came loaded with bear, ready to take the street. Instead the crowd was obligingly penned in by the police. Most of them were very young and definitely not angry. It was largely a benign affair with the zeitgeist being victory was at hand. The other ACT UP people I saw were all playing marshal, helping to control the crowd. I was initially bored but left ecstatic.
Flashback to October 1987: Nearly all my twenty-something friends were dead or dying. My closest friend developed an opportunistic brain infection while we toured Italy. By the time we boarded the return flight he was barely mobile, his right side of his body paralyzed. An hour outside of New York a drunk couple were loudly complaining about him moving so slowly back to his seat from a bathroom break. It escalated quickly with the wife slapping me, me returning the favor, the husband punching me and me sitting on the husbands chest strangling him. I wanted to kill him. I was in a rage I have never experienced before or since. Two days later I found myself in a fist fight with a cab driver. My therapist suggested I go to a newly formed group called ACT UP . I did and it changed and most probably saved my life. I, and many others, found a productive way to channel anger and not feel so helpless.
Why the anger differential? It can be partly explained by what was lost in each case. Losing a civil right stings. However it’s not as devastating as losing your friends to an epidemic largely ignored by your fellow citizens and government. Yet something else is afoot here. Younger gays and lesbians are not asking for tolerance, acceptance, respect. They just assume they have it. They do expect it to be applied to every legal, cultural and social aspects of their lives. I am from a generation that begged for tolerance. That is so offensive to me now. Blame internalized homophobia that had us ask society for so little. So I guess I showed up at the marriage demo ready to fight old battles. The revelation was that they had already been won.
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 7:56 pm
Can someone tally up the number of people who showed up for these events in all locations? I know the police said we had 10-12,000 in LA; friends in outlying areas are saying they each had a few hundred at their protests. SF had 7,500; San Diego had 20k. Perhaps, via the Wiki tool, you can ask organizers to post the total participants? I’d love to know, and I’m sure others would, too.
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 8:12 pm
I’ve read alot of interesting comments. As I’ve said before, I am a straight black female. I believe in your cause and right to fight for what’s right. I would like to know if your organization will do any fundraisers for, maybe, attorney fees, or to put back on ballot . I can support monetarily since I refuse to give anything to churches. I don’t give to churches because if I see someone in need I give it to them if I can help them. I am tired of seeing these churches taking money, and donated real estate property, yachts and these ministers/pastors are living the life of the rich and famous. Please let people know what your plans are - I am near Laguna Beach. Thanks
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 8:41 pm
I want to let the LBGT community know that there are hundreds of Mormons who are standing up and resigning our memberships to show support for you. I am one of these people and dropped my resignation letter in the mail after returning from the protest yesterday. For 60-some years my ancestors thumbed their nose at the US Government and practiced their illegal polygamy. Then it was the government holding them down. Then it was the Mormons getting kicked around by the traditional marriage group. The hypocricy is miles deep in this situation. You are greatly supported by exmormons and we will stand by you in your quest for equal rights!!!
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 9:31 pm
Um… Bob… I used the word “tolerance” with many other words. My point was that we should not ask for what we cannot give to others. Enough said.
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 9:56 pm
I supported full heartedly the protest of Saturday, However I have to agree with the previous poster, The “Day Without Gay” will not produce any positive impact, in fact may produce a negative impact. I thought we were for EQUAL RIGHTS FOR ALL. Not just a GAY agenda! Mark these words, THIS WILL NOT HAVE A POSITIVE IMPACT ON THE EQUAL RIGHT ISSUE, BUT WILL CAUSE A NEGITIVE VIEW OF THE GAY COMMUNITY!
I am strongly opposed to this action!
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 10:23 pm
Thank you so much. I’ve learned a great deal in the past two weeks: about myself, about community, and about the powers of narrative and visibility.
I also noted the under-reporting in the media. First reports of last Friday’s rallies in San Francisco were less than 10% of their actual size. Nevertheless, our narratives are reaching around the world. If we don’t get media coverage, we’ll cover the stories ourselves, as we are already doing on websites, facebook, letters to the editor and informal conversations. Let’s narrate these events with all our talents and skills (professional and amateur, creative and critical, serious and tongue-in-cheek).
For all of us there to be counted at the rallies (queer/straight, counted/uncounted, you name it) there are others who may want to join us and can’t. I remembered this at Saturday’s San Francisco rally when approached by a man in uniform with a card. It said “don’t ask don’t tell…oops!” That’s fantastic.
So let’s be visible, but let’s also remember that our force always included invisibility. We have many, many more allies and members than can be counted in the news. Our movement (and it seems to be that’s what it palpably is, again) is both trans- and inter- national. It is local and global. It includes people around the world with great vulnerability and with great privilege. Many are in between: folks on temporary visas, legal and illegal immigrants, international students from countries with dangerous laws for homosexuals, members of the military, members of homophobic communities, expatriats, first day on the job, folks in the wrong marriage, folks inside the very churches that have gone so (very) out of their ways to hurt us … and the list goes on!
Visible or not, they/we are ON THIS JOURNEY TOO.
Let’s keep the solidarity and keep fighting. Let’s overturn Proposition 8 and DOMA, and help clarify the legal status of at least some of our in-betweeners. Let’s do it right. Let’s try to redress some of the wrongs while remembering that we participate to the best of our abilities. We have in our company folks whose stories and faces we can’t see. Remember, for a not insignificant number that it’s still dangerous to be photographed, named, or go on the record. Visible or not they/we are among us. And let’s try to have each other’s backs and to be humble enough to hear when we’re doing the excluding ourselves. That’s part of the story of Proposition 8–and in starting something new we’re well advised to remember it.
Last but not least, I was puzzled by the December 10th action. If the focus is “service” then I’m sure we can pull it off creatively and spectacularly. If your business or family is in trouble, then don’t take the day off. If it’s doing great, then try doing something extra. Don’t feel bad if you can’t follow the instructions to the letter. Interpret the task your way.
To me, the point is service. If you’re fully committed between 9 and 5 then do it before or after work. Volunteer somewhere you might not be expected. Do a pro-bono stint from the office. Perform a random act of kindness off the book. Change the narrative. Do something you can be proud of–and keep doing it. That way we’ll counter bigotry with grace and numbers. And we’ll both show and learn in the process about what it means to be in communities that can change, learn and grow.
Non-violent change and inner revolution begin with our own lives.
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 10:47 pm
Kelly H. wow, that’s amazing to stand up to your church. I have a child that briefly joined the Mormon church a few years ago, when got involved in a relationship with a white person, the church threatened to expel the person my child was involved with. I, for one, have some not so good feelings for the Mormon church. Not just the incident with my child, but the fact that about 15 years ago, I lived in San Bernardino County. Racial problems were somewhat the norm there, and rumors were going around that blacks were not welcome to the Mormon church and that blacks were cursed. Then about 10 years ago, I called the prayer line for Rod Parsley, and one of the counselors told me I was a child of Satan. That was my last straw with churches. Here I was calling for prayers, and to be told that, I was already weakminded and was seeking comfort. Now, I just learn to deal with whatever comes my way the best way I can. But anyway I commend you for your heroic actions.
Posted on November 16th, 2008 at 11:25 pm
To all American people reading this… just a message from someone reading this outside America
I am with you. Keep the fight going strong and you will eventually achieve full equality. I pray for you every day and that people can lose their prejudice, hatred, discrimination and intolerance, which are all caused by a lack of understanding and a lack of clear thinking. Every time I read about a gay issue in the American press, it really upsets me and actually makes me extremely angry. This is because I have recently learnt that in America some people not only disagree with gay marriage (fair enough, it’s their opinion, albeit, one I disagree with) but they are so full of hate for gay people. And they usually quote the Bible or religion against this (see any Youtube video on anything gay!), yet they are wishing for death upon LGBTs. This seems so hypocritical to me and it upsets me to know that people cannot live their lives as they want to in America. I thought America was so ahead in terms of freedom and liberties, but it appears that even in small Ireland, gay people are so much more accepted. Even in a recent study, 82% of Irish citizens supported full marriage equality for gay people.
One word of advice though- do not respond to hate with more hate, it will only serve to disadvantage the struggle.
I love you all!
Posted on November 17th, 2008 at 1:05 am
It’s amazing to see a movement grow SO strong SO quickly. You are all inspiring.
Here’s some footage of supporters of Prop. 8 … I covered the election for my school newspaper and was assigned to the GOP. It’s funny, I hope you enjoy!
Posted on November 17th, 2008 at 2:52 am
I put together a short video of the Seattle march, check it out here:
http://www.vimeo.com/2261462
enjoy!
Posted on November 17th, 2008 at 3:00 am
theres a tiny little town in CA that has so many things planned with our neighboring cities that are a bit larger. I think that if we could include our smaller communities in with the larger ones, we might get more of a response. One thing our town has planned is something to do on “No Gay Day” to encourage a better turn out. I mean, who really wants to sit at home all day? we’re thinking a BBQ in a local park. Also we are getting the High School GSA and the College GSA involved as much as we can, and joining together with our neighbors. We are also planning a rap session where we all just gather in a club and talk about the issues and plan more things to make our voices heard. I encourage others to join us and if possible, do something similar.
Blessed Be Trisha
Posted on November 17th, 2008 at 3:00 am
Frankly, I don’t understand the problem. In California, the issue was put to a vote of the people and it did not pass. Same sex marriage will be prohibited by the California State Consitution. Only another referendum can change that. It’s that simple - that’s how democracy works - the people have spoken.
Posted on November 17th, 2008 at 7:15 am
Wow! That was amazing. The Nashville turnout was much stronger than anticipated. I am a straight male with many gay friends and i was still kind of leary about going, but now that i did and saw what was happenning there was no other place i belonged at that time. i wrote a short story of my own personal adventure; please enjoy.
With ominous skies overhead, a bitter cold in the air and an occasional wind that would make anyone wish for the warmest cup of hot chocolate around, I set of for the rally. Driving out to the old courthouse-location: 1 Public Square- I couldn’t help but to wonder if anyone was really going to show. Tennessee, especially downtown Nashville, is made up of tourists and hardcore conservatives that, for the most part, condiser anything not of the bible to be an evil, sinful thing. God forbid a “gay protest” at thier own backdoor!
Once I finally made it downtown, which is only a semi-short jog, from my house in southeast Nashville, I drove around the west side of the square. Sure enough, there was no one to be seen, except of course for the occasional tourist. But, as I rounded the corner to the front entrance of the park I saw an amazing sight. It seemed to be hundreds of people gathered around a small freestanding elevator shaft. Once again, this has to be designed for tourists to get a better view of the city. “Viola!” I thought as I drove around for about a half an hour trying to find somewhere to park that didn’t require pumping an absurd amount of cash into a machine. I finally found a spot to park on Gay street, as adequate a name it is.
Walking up to the park I began to feel a slight bit uncomfortable, not knowing exactly what to expect. After all, a straight skinhead in a crowd of picketing homosexuals, that really doesn’t spell G-O-O-D-T-I-M-E, but I knew it was for a very good cause so I refused to be discouraged. Walking through the park filled with freestanding pillars, reflecting pools and what could only best be described as, an ancient Roman running track(because of its not so perfectly arranged stones forming an oval pathway that was probably close to the size of a football field), I began to hear chants and see signs bobbing up and down as people marched in small circles exclaiming their own personal thoughts for Proposition 8. After all, that is why we are all here today, isn’t it?
Once I got within, perhaps, 20 yards of the crowd I immediately felt a panic swelling inside of me. Not seeing any faces I recognized and seeing the comradery among the those who have been directly effected by Prop 8 I started to think again, “Why am I here, what could I possibly have to contribute other than my own feelings of disgust with this bullshit law? I am not gay. How does this effect me?” I then see Mike, another skinhead, and the one who told me about protest in the first place. He was standing on the outskirts of the main crowd wearing his flight jacket, suspenders(braces, to those who are familiar with the culture), that always hung from his hips, never over the shoulders, his camouflage military issued pants and black boots with bright white laces. Over his shoulder he held an Anarchist’s flag, that, in itself is somewhat a symbol of equality. I immediately made a B-line towards him and felt much more comfortable.
As Mike and chatted, mainly about the turnout of the crowd and how surprised we both were, I started seeing more familiar faces and becoming more at ease. The small circle of marching picketers had grown larger and before I knew could realize what was going on it had become an army of soldiers circling the Roman race track. I walked for a short distance then stepped aside up on some stairs to take pictures. What I saw wasn’t anything short of amazing. The track was now completely full of people marching. Sometimes 3 or 4 shoulder to shoulder with signs held high and proud. That is when it hit me that this was so much greater than a law passed by bigots. This was a Civil Rights protest, not that indifferent than the sit-ins and marches African Americans were forced to do when my parents were my age. Except this time there were numerous races and religions being persecuted.
As the circle died down on its second trip around the track people started congregating and the southern most point of the park and lining up on the street side. Cars passing by started to honk and cheer us on. Pride is the only word to describe the feeling in the air at that moment. Steps led down to the street side from the center of the park flanked on each end with a concrete platform and reflecting pools. Ranger and George, two of which were responsible for organizing this protest stood aloft one of the platforms, bullhorn in hand.
As they spoke, words unrehearsed, the words seemed to spew like fire. Words of joy, excitement and again, pride filled the air. One by one people started taking stage and telling their stories. Some happy, some sad; some angry and some even straying a bit from the reason of the rally. Black, white, gay, straight, everyone had a story to tell and at the end of every story the sense of comradery grew. Once everyone that had wanted to speak, spoke George took the bullhorn for a final few words. He told the story of a lady who was so pissed she started a website and in no less than weeks time had cities all over the globe ready to stand with her and make a difference. As he said this tears welled in his eyes, tears welled in most peoples eyes. The conviction and dedication and love shown at that particular moment was enough bring down the highest seated bigot.
The moments that followed were bitter sweet. People started fanning out and mingling with each other, some goodbyes were said and some hugs and kisses exchanged. As suddenly as the rally had begun, the rally was over…or so I thought. Just standing idle on one street corner wasn’t enough for some people so they decided to take it to streets.
Heading down Third Avenue towards Broadway a sea of protesters swarmed the sidewalk. After doing a bit of mingling myself, Mike and I decided that were going to march as well. Close to the end of the pack we headed down third staring into a sea of protest signs led by chants of equality only stopping to take a picture of a well placed sign on a statue of Elvis reading “Honk 4 = rights!” We were greeted on Broadway by some puzzled on-lookers, cheers and laughter. As we rounded up Fourth Avenue the crowd had thinned a bit, mainly due to stopping for red lights along Broadway. We ended our march back in the park that it had all started. Still about 100 strong people once again lined the streets to receive cheers from passers-by.
Mike and I stopped to talk to George and Ranger before going our respected ways. It was evident that something great had happened in that short amount of time. No one will ever know if anyone that was not involved was truly effected by what had happened. But I assure you the pride and self-respect of everyone there in the park that day was enough to want do it again and again. The message had been received by many that day. What people decide to do with that message is up to them now, we can only hope they choose what they know is right.
As I drove away from the park I had to stop and take one final look at the, still, many people lining the road, holding their signs of equality, oppression and hope with smiles on their faces. I thought to myself “Holy shit, that was huge, I wonder how the rest of country faired and I only hope it was as powerful as this!”
-Mike B
Posted on November 17th, 2008 at 9:17 am
My girlfriend & I went to the Prop 8 protest in Atlanta. Here is my report:
http://sinnerviewer.blogspot.com/2008/11/prop-8-protest-atlanta.html
Posted on November 17th, 2008 at 9:18 am
My partner and I participated in the Louisville rally, despite the cold and rain. It was a very positive experience.
We discussed the Day without A Gay plan, and decided that it was very dangerous in this economy–people are afraid to lose their jobs.
On the other hand, a boycott by gays of all shopping the weekend after Thanksgiving would certainly send a message….
Posted on November 17th, 2008 at 11:22 am
Thank you Amy and Willow for organizing the rallies and lighting the lone flame that lit a million candles. 3,000 strong here in Austin.
Posted on November 17th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
I’m a straight male and I understand that everyone is upset about the outcome but I just don’t understand the response. The people have voted and you will have your opportunity to change this on the next ballot. I’m very offended that this is getting compared to the black civil rights movement because to no one is dying, no one is slaves, no one has to use a “gay” bathroom or sit in the back of the bus cuz they’re gay. I know that you want to change what marriage is but it also seems like you want to change how our democracy works too. Regardless, good luck on your struggle because at the end of the day it really doesn’t effect me.
Posted on November 17th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
The battle for equality has evolved and those who believe in it have to be smarter in order to win people over.
Some people don’t like using money as a weapon, but history has taught us that, no matter the cause, this is what people respond to.
It was good that the Marriotts sought to distance themselves from the LDS church on the issue of Prop 8, but a contribution to support the pursuit of equality for all would’ve REALLY sent a strong message.
I want people to look at those businesses that support your cause - which is a cause for ALL of us - and to say ‘thank you’ to them with your spending.
Let’s continue the conversation!
http://www.prop8talk.com
Posted on November 17th, 2008 at 12:45 pm
Thank you to EVERY single person who was involved in the organization of this spectacular event!! Visually, from the outside, seeing that many people come together for the purpose of civil rights must have been extraordinary. But nothing can compare to what was felt from being in the middle of it all. Life changing is what comes to mind.
As far as “A Day Without A Gay”…I get the concept…and understand that if there REALLY was a day without Gays…the impact would be huge. But my concern is that this seems like we are pandering to the bigots. “Seeeeee, you would hate it if we weren’t here.” And come off as childish. Like a child running away from home. “If you don’t give me what I want, then I’m running away from home. Then you’ll be sorry.” But in the end, the child comes back home, and still is gounded. Do you really think this will make a difference in their way of thinking? At this point, those people had their chance to do whats right…and they didn’t. “A Day Without A Gay” may have been a great idea to get voters who were unsure which way to vote on Prop 8 to see how it would feel to live in a world without us. They may have been swayed to our cause. But now, what they think of us isn’t the issue. Well, it is, but its also beyond that now. Now is the time to be seen! Now is the time to come out!! Of course, If “A Day Without a Gay” is happening, I will participate. No matter what my opinion of it is, I will stand united with my community.
I am no community leader, by any means, but I have an idea. How about “Shine Your Lights for Equal Rights! - A Silent Peaceful March”? Every person who participates carries some light-giving object. (candle, flashlight, lantern, glow sticks, etc.) No protest posters. Maybe a huge “Shine Your Lights for Equal Rights!” banner up front. No chants. Maybe a rally before. Maybe get supporting organizations involved. They can carry an organization banner lit by someone holding a flashlight…or something like that. And they can march as a group. So it has a kind of silent parade look. And make it a nice long march. Not in a circle but from…I don’t know…Silver Lake to the Mormon church…or something like that. Just throwing it out there. Make sense? And sometimes silence is louder than words.
Anyway, just an idea.
Keep up the great work! It’s great to see UNITY and REAL PRIDE in our community again!!
Posted on November 17th, 2008 at 1:17 pm
Hi JB,
“Shine your lights for equal rights” is a great idea! We want the community to come together and share amazing ideas like this. Let’s talk about driving this idea forward and doing something like this VERY soon. You have the JoinTheImpact hamster wheel turning :-). When it comes to a Day Without a Gay, the message is much much more than saying “see you would miss us.” We are modeling this off of an amazing initiative called a Day without a Mexican. The message we are sending is very simple, but very strong: We contribute to this economy, we contribute to this government, we contribute to this society - despite all of this, our government contributes to everyone BUT us. Our government does not provide equal rights to our community. We pay double taxes into social security, but do not get rights of survivorship when our partner passes. In a country where the government is supposed to protect its citizens, we must send a message that 30million citizens are without legal protections. This is just one way of sending the message. This will help drive the conversation. We are asking that members of our community spend the day volunteering. We hope that spending the day in outreach will help to drive the conversation of equality in places where the LGBTQ community doesn’t have much visibility. So with this day of action, we will drive a message home to our government as well as the cities that surround us.
Posted on November 17th, 2008 at 1:29 pm
Thank you for taking the time to help me understand the Impact of what ” A Day Without a Gay” would accomplish. Like I said…I will participate…and now I will participate with a better understanding.
Also thank you for hearing out my idea. Join the Impact ROCKS!!
Posted on November 17th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
It was one event worth attention. Too bad the GLBT is a one-event movement. Once a year the Pride Events and only come out of their comfort when an issue drives them. The moment has passed with press attention and will pass without any future action. Instead of a constant flow of protests the movement will fade into history. After Stonewall there were weekly protests, now we hide behind the internet, write checks and get together once a year for expensive street fairs (under the guise of Pride day). It is time to put out wallets away, pull out our sneakers and march! Protests need to be constant . . . not this feeble press charged one time event.
Posted on November 17th, 2008 at 1:40 pm
I participated in San Diego’s protest, 20 -25K was the official head count!! More than twice the number from the previous week! We had a great visible route goind straight down the middle of downtown and along the very touristed waterfront.
Cheers to you for starting this amazing project!! I love the future ideas.
Posted on November 17th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
(((((Amy))))) Despite the concerns I expressed about “A Day Without A Gay”, I will of course support the action. I think it’s SO important for us to stay unified and focused right now! And JB’s idea of “Shine Your Lights For Equal Rights” sounds beautiful! Maybe each protester could wear a rainbow ribbon or some other symbol, but otherwise no signs or shouting, just a quiet, glowing crowd.
Posted on November 17th, 2008 at 4:30 pm
ffffffrabbit, I’m not sure where you are located and whether you have been keeping an eye on the news, but there have been weekly protests in California since the election, and in San Diego and LA (are the ones that I personally know about) there were protests the weekend BEFORE the election. And with each successive event the crowds have doubled in size in San Diego (2,000 then 10,000 then 20,000). I’m glad to see that this election and subsequent backlash has created a ripple effect across the country, mobilizing our community in a way that I have never seen. I was saddened to see that the crowd in San Diego could have actually been much bigger. There were far too many people that I know that decided not to go, but didn’t really have any legitimate reason for not going. I have the utmost admiration for all of you people who bravely stood up for our rights in the more intolerant and/or less populated parts of the country (the 20 people that protested in the snow in Fairbanks, Alaska, you ROCK!!!!). I am humbled by your strength and courage.
Posted on November 17th, 2008 at 4:50 pm
I like the idea of ” shine your lights for equal rights”. We need to keep protesting and marching for our rights, we should not have to, but we do. Lets keep the momentum going.
Posted on November 17th, 2008 at 5:53 pm
In St. Louis, we are planning a Teach-in on LGBT rights for Dec.10. We will ask people (lgbt AND our allies) to put aside their usual jobs and duties for a day to attend “LGBT activism school” for one day to build the skills for continuing our movement into the future.
Posted on November 17th, 2008 at 11:24 pm
to glen!
I am so sick and tired of Christians saying that they are being persecuted for their beliefs because they don’t believe in gay marriage and how it’s hypocritical that we’re not “tolerent” of their differing opinions and views. Are you that confused? I am totally fully tolerent of your views. If your church doesn’t want to marry me, that’s fine with me. I don’t care. BUT WHEN YOU GO TO THE GOVERNMENT AND STOP THEM FROM MARRYING ME - then we have a problem. Religious organizations went to the State to change a Law that had nothing to do with them. THIS IS NOT TOLERENCE. If you were a loving Christian who prayed in the streets you would not be interfiering with other people’s lives who happen to do things differently. The only person you are fooling is yourself and the idiots that follow you.
Posted on November 18th, 2008 at 3:44 am
fffffffrabbit:
Heading into the holiday season, the protests will subside a bit, but I expect things to be very busy next spring. Sure, we can’t all give up every Saturday for this cause, but how many of us have the ability to do it once a month? Once every two months?
Action and steady political involvement will be key, you are correct. But man, based on the energy I’ve been feeling, I KNOW the people who stand for equality aren’t going to be sitting down anytime soon.
Posted on November 18th, 2008 at 12:41 pm
Steve, I think the idea of “LGBT activism school” is an amazing idea. I wish we could get something like this going in NYC. I have zero activism or community organizing experience but have definitely been awakened over the past couple of weeks and would love to learn what actions I can take to be more involved.
Posted on November 18th, 2008 at 8:01 pm
Si se puede! Thank you Christina Chavez!
Posted on November 18th, 2008 at 8:57 pm
Let’s have a National Lobby YOUR own City Hall Day.
An additional idea going forward will be to combine the idea of protesting/marching outside City Halls with the idea of “Day Without a Gay” (where instead of going to work, we volunteer). Let’s have a National Lobby YOUR City Hall Day. JoinTheImpact could call on people to take a day off from work in order to go speak with their local politicians when they are IN their offices. Protesting at City Halls on the weekends and evenings are wonderfully symbolic, however that needs to evolve into everyone being their on lobbyist for a day.
Posted on November 19th, 2008 at 5:28 am
Although I’m not homosexual/bisexual, I agree in the fact that gays should have equal marriage rights, and I’m only 14 years old! Anyway, I just wanted to say that I think that what you’re all doing is wonderful, and I would love to join your movement (I just don’t know how!) Peace, love, and kindess: the only words that are nessacery for your vocabulary. Thank you!
Posted on November 19th, 2008 at 9:50 am
Hmm…Steve. I’m not confused at all by the issue that was presented in Prop 8 and I don’t feel persecuted. I just think you can’t have the “tolerance” view both ways, where you want the world to be tolerant of your gay lifestyle, while not accepting not everyone agrees with that. My vote for Prop 8 wasn’t about being a bigot and neither I nor any other Christian should be viewed as an idiot because we believe God created marriage and that institution is only between a man and a woman. My vote for Prop 8 was to affirm my belief that legal unions should follow that. I understand the gay community doesn’t agree with that. And then to be abusive towards the group of young people (in San Francisco) who pray for the gay community to experience the love of God because you feel it’s “interfering” with your lifestyle doesn’t seem congruent with what you are asking the rest of the world to do for you…listen to your point of view and be persuaded. Most Christians aren’t shouting slogans and vulgarities, but trying to carry on peaceful interactions. I pray for God’s best for you, and hope you’ll accept this post without all the anger of your previous post.
Posted on November 19th, 2008 at 10:34 pm
Hmm…Glenn. First of all, most gay people are not shouting slogans and vulgarities, but trying to carry on peaceful interactions, so for you to judge our community by a few people who have been overcome by justifiable anger, is simply unfair. Second, I am a gay man who does know the love of God, whether you or a group of missionaries on a street corner believe that or not. However, I am not interested in your particular brand of theology, and would appreciate it if you would not force it upon me. And lastly, if you believe that marriage is an institution between a man and a woman, I hope you get to experience that, and all the joy it brings. We are not seeking to take anything away from you, and what we do with our lives will have no effect on you. If you don’t believe in gay marriage, don’t have one. Live your life the way you want, but don’t expect the rest of the world to assimilate. Live and let live.
Posted on November 20th, 2008 at 12:50 am
Right on david!!!!
Posted on November 23rd, 2008 at 6:40 pm
saint statues…
The days of hopelessly searching out legitimate inferences on this matter have ceased….
Posted on December 22nd, 2008 at 4:09 pm
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